Maya Digital Studios’ first of its kind ‘In–Studio Training’ initiative for young animation, VFX & 3D stereoscopy professionals launched in Mumbai
MIST is a progressive step for the industry and will generate the studio–trained advance–skilled workforce that will drive the future of this industry in India
Mumbai, Maya Digital Studios’ much anticipated In-Studio Training facility, MIST, was launched at their Mumbai Studio on Saturday 11th August 2012. Maya has been associated with several pioneering initiatives for the Indian animation, visual effects & 3D stereoscopy industry. From creating the cultural and infrastructural base for the industry way back in the 1990s to working on the 3D conversion of Indian cinema’s legendary Sholay today, Maya has constantly offered something new and helped invaluably in the growth of this industry. Under their new initiative, MIST, the company will provide an advanced training based on Studio Ready Training Modules with employment at Maya’s studio facilities in Mumbai & Goa for budding professionals into this vibrant industry.
The initiative has already received a thunderous response from the artist community from across India. The opportunity to get to work on projects like Motu Patlu, Captain Vyom, Sholay 3D, Sons of Ram 3D, The Centsables amongst others, made sure that the artists attended in unprecedented numbers from the far and wide corners of the country. The artists will go through a meticulous selection process with the various heads of departments at Maya, who will then mentor the chosen MIST interns.
Speaking on the occasion, Aruna Kumar, Head of MIST & Studio Operations Goa for Maya stated, “The overwhelming countrywide response from the artists has corroborated the need for an initiative like MIST. It is the best possible platform for the budding professionals into this industry. With MIST we are sure that the benchmark for the studio skills of new joinees in this industry will be set, which will effectively contribute to the production efficiency and thereby to the industry. Our MIST mentors will focus on retaining almost all of the rich studio ready talent with Maya, even after their paid internship during the In-Studio training.”
On the occasion of the launch of MIST, Ketan Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director – Maya stated, “With MIST we are all set to fill the gap that exists between Animation & Visual Effects training and the studio environment. We often get software trained professionals who aren’t studio ready and training them separately leads to a decrease in production efficiency. With MIST, our focus is to bring in that efficiency in the operations of the studios right from the beginning.”
“The intention is to create the human resource ecosystem that will drive the future of this industry”, adds Deepa Sahi, Co-founder & Director – Maya said, “Our focus at Maya has always been on artists and with MIST we want to generate a pool of studio-trained, advance-skilled professionals who will drive the future growth of this industry.”
MIST will be a landmark step in the history of this industry and is all set to create never seen before standards for the industry.
About MIST
MIST
MIST is a first of its kind initiative by an Indian studio to provide an advanced training module for the young professionals, with an opportunity to work on live projects during the formative years of their careers. Under this initiative, there will be a dedicated training programme integrated within the studio facility, which focuses on a Studio Ready Training Modules.
Studio Ready Training Modules
Every professional needs a strong academic foundation. But only theoretical expertise cannot be your tool to excel in the professional world. Academic modules impart you with the basic skill-sets, but do not give you a taste of the real world, the studio environment. In order to overcome this hindrance in your path to professional success, we at Maya have designed special Studio Ready Training Modules which train you not merely in theory but give you the practical experience of working on live projects.
The focus at Maya is to create professionals who are ready to take on the studio world. Each training module has been structured in a manner that will bring the best of your creativity and channelize your energies in a manner that will help you perform and deliver your best within an actual studio environment. Thus, they are referred to as Studio Ready Training Modules.
One learns an entire gamut of skills required in the Animation, 3D Stereoscopy & Digital Visual Effects Industry. The aim is to stimulate you to develop critical judgment, sound research skills and an ability to think creatively while handling pressures and time frames.
Our Training Modules are dynamic and constantly upgraded to meet the industry requirements. We encourage you to experiment and innovate with different forms of communication and to explore your creativity to the fullest.
The Need for MIST
The animation and visual effects industry is a booming industry in India with a projected CAGR of 21% as predicted by the industry experts. 2D to stereoscopic 3D conversion has further triggered the growth of the industry by providing an additional broad-based, sustainable revenue stream to the industry.
Year on year, thousands of budding animation & visual effects professionals pass out from various training academies. The training academies thrive on the success of the industry and today there are multiple centres offering similar courses which perhaps make the candidates software ready. However, in spite of paying hefty fees for these vocational courses almost 70% of the software trained professionals do not secure a job within the first year of finishing the course. The career dreams of these thousands of budding studio professionals are shattered right at the beginning and the stories of the industry’s success become only glorified paper statistics for them.
From the studios’ perspective too this isn’t a healthy sign, as there is a serious lack of properly trained and skilled manpower. Since the industry doesn’t get the rightfully trained professionals, studios have to invest in the studio training of new joinees, thereby leading to increased production cycles and hence a reduction in production efficiency. This is a potential hindrance for a growing industry. The primary reasons for this imbalance in the industry’s harmony are:
Disconnect in the industry requirements & course curricula at the training institutes
- Training institutes typically focus on software knowledge rather than making them production ready
- None of the faculty members are practicing industry professionals
Sensing this need for the industry and more importantly in order to impart the right studio relevant skills to the young animation, visual effects and 3D stereoscopy enthusiasts, Maya Digital Studios has strategically launched MIST. MIST will provide the right stepping stone into the studio careers of those who are passionate about this magical industry but don’t know how to approach and conquer the milestones of success. MIST strives to provide the best in industry training and live project work to the students at the very beginning of their careers, effectively positioning them, leaps ahead of their peers both in terms of training as well as experience.
The highlights of MIST
In an industry first, MIST brings practicing industry professionals face to face with the beginners in a freewheeling interaction through the training and live project work. The exchange of ideas between the industry veterans and passionate young minds will facilitate a symbiotic learning environment where the skills learnt will not be restricted to any computer softwares.
The techniques highlighted within the courses are not software dependent and would thus be adapted seamlessly across all the existing as well as evolving software platforms.
An internship on live projects is perhaps the best way to learn and make a mark for oneself in the industry of one’s own choice and that is exactly what MIST brings for the budding animation, visual effects & 3D stereoscopy professionals.
MIST is a significant step for the industry, which will not only create a pool of advanced skilled employees but will further boost the employability of those who are passionate about this industry.
About Maya Digital Studios Ltd
MAYA (established in 1996) pioneered the art and technology of Computer Animation and Digital Visual Effects in India. Founded by the internationally acclaimed film maker – Ketan Mehta and renowned film actress, producer and director – Deepa Sahi, MAYA today is one of the largest computer animation and visual effects studios in India. American computer animation & visual effects veteran, Frank Foster is the president of MAYA, and oversees the studio’s daily operations. The studio has specialized in stereoscopic 3D and offers services for S3D visual effects, S3D CG rendered animation, left and right camera live action cinematography and very high quality, cost effective 2D to 3D conversion. MAYA DIGITAL STUDIOS was the first dedicated CG animation and visual effects studio in India. Founded in 1996 as Maya, it has worked with top global clients including BBC, Disney, Google, Sony, Electronic Arts, Ragdoll Inc UK, Rainbow, Mike Young Productions, Activision, Brown Bag Films, VGI Entertainment to deliver prestigious projects in television, film and game animation. Maya’s work has won several international honours & awards including the IFTA, BAFTA, Pulcinella, FICCI and GDC.
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